SUPPORTERS have warned soccer bosses they are sadly mistaken if they think the battle to save Runcorn FC's Canal Street home is over.

Dreams of saving the Linnets' home of more than 80 years were shattered last week when an application for housing on the site was approved.

But fans of the cash-strapped club have discovered the ground holds a macabre secret which could hold up development.

Supporters Club chairman Noel Bell believes dozens of bodies could be buried under the stand, offices and pitch at Canal Street from St Luke's Congregational Church which was demolished half a century ago.

And according to Home Office rules, remains can only be exhumed under licence providing consent is obtained from the grave owner and the next of kin.

Mr Bell also claims that scores of deceased officials and fans of the club have had their ashes buried or scattered at Canal Street.

Now he is urging anyone who has a relative buried on the site to contact the club and let it know their wishes.

He said: 'Everyone connected with the club will be sad to leave Canal Street, but that is not the reason I am bringing this up.

'As a church-goer, I feel it is my Christian duty to ensure that any next-of-kin are aware that their relatives may have to be exhumed to make way for the housing development.'

Last week, members of Halton Borough Council's development control and licensing committee took just seconds to consign Canal Street to the history books, when they rubber-stamped an application for 104 homes on the site.

The last Unibond League game at Canal Street will be against Gateshead on May 5. The Linnets will kick-off next season's campaign at the Auto Quest Stadium in Widnes.